[3] She has previously held roles as the Deputy Chancellor University of New South Wales 1999-2003; chief executive and director of the Affirmative Action Agency; chief executive of Harris Communications (International Marketing Company); chair of Mary Rossi Travel, and chair of the St Margaret's Public and Private Hospital.
[8][9][10][11][12] In 2000 Harris was awarded the Public Service Medal (PSM) "for outstanding public service as Director of the Commonwealth's Affirmative Action Agency and her role in the acceptance of affirmative action by Australia's business community.
"[13] She was awarded the Centenary Medal on 1 January 2001 "for service to Australian society in business leadership".
[14] In 2006 Harris was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) "for service to community development through leadership roles in organisations related to education, health care, advancement of the status of women, the Catholic Church, the arts and sport, and to international relations between Australia and Asia, particularly support for Bhutanese people living in Australia.
Harris is a Roman Catholic,[3] is married to David whom she met while completing her undergraduate degree,[2][3] and together they have five sons.